ASSESSING POTENTIAL TRENDS IN TEMPERATURE AND FLOW DATA THROUGH SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF THERMAL SPRINGS AT HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK FROM 2010 TO 2018

Hot Springs National Park (HOSP) shares a border with Hot Springs city and has an urban interface unique to the Park System. All thermal springs are located along this border, at the base of Hot Springs Mountain. Unlike the hot springs of Yellowstone National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park, the HOSP thermal springs are heated via the geothermal gradient. Because the thermal water is drinkable, HOSP is mandated to provide the spring water to the public indefinitely. Preserving and protecting this natural resource is crucial to providing potable water for the community both today and in the future.

HOSP began continuous monitoring of nine thermal springs in 2010 with the help of the US Geological Survey. The USGS temperature probes were placed in nine individual springs and continue to record every 15 minutes. The flow gauge remains positioned within the reservoir underneath the Administration Building and collects data for the overall flow rate of all the springs combined. Temperature data since 2010 was evaluated in relationship to season, month, and the overall period of data collection. Spatial analysis of the springs was also assessed based on their location in relationship with each other in order to determine if there are significant differences between groupings of springs. The impact of rainfall on the temperature of the springs was analyzed in order to determine how much groundwater mixing occurs and which springs are most prone to groundwater influence. The flow rate of the springs was analyzed temporally and in relationship to precipitation rates.

Understanding how the thermal springs at HOSP fluctuate throughout the year and during rainfall events will provide a better understanding of this natural resource. With changing climate conditions, it is vital to identify the baseline trends of the thermal springs in order to understand how they are being affected and how this may potentially impact the health of humans who rely on this water. Implications of temporal, spatial, and precipitation-induced changes on temperature and flow of thermal springs in Hot Springs National Park will be discussed.